Business Resources
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) hosts the Small Business Center to help support small business owners through the licensing and permitting processes. Contact BACP to meet with a Business Consultant for any questions or guidance regarding your business.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDCs): BACP partners with NBDCs to offer local, individualized counseling and support for small business owners, including our local Chambers of Commerce. Visit the NBDC website for more information!
Chicago Business Centers (CBC): BACP's CBC program provides grants to eight Chicago-based business service organizations located in neighborhoods across Chicago to serve as regional hubs providing business licensing assistance and other resources for small businesses. Visit the CBC website to learn more and locate your local CBC.
Business Licensing:
Most businesses are required to a hold business license from the City of Chicago and/or the State of Illinois. Chicago’s department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) provides a list of businesses that may be exempt here. You can apply for a city license online or visit BACP’s Starting Your Business page for detailed information on where to begin.
Amusement & Entertainment Licenses
A Public Place of Amusement (PPA) License is required for many types of businesses or non-profits that produce, present or conduct any type of amusement. This includes live theater, child activity centers, music venues, facilities rented for parties and venues with DJ’s. If your venue has a capacity of 100 or more people, you are required to hold a PPA license - regardless of whether you charge an admission fee. Performing Arts Venue (PAV) license can be used by smaller theaters.
Liquor Licenses
Liquor licensure is regulated by the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Local Liquor Control Commissioner. As part of the application process, businesses may need to obtain the Alderman’s input. In the 1st Ward, as part of the input process, community groups like neighborhood associations and Chambers of Commerce are sent information on the applications and asked for feedback. Typical community concerns raised are noise, littering, security concerns, etc. Potential licensees should do everything to proactively address these concerns. To do so, the 1st Ward office asks those seeking new liquor licenses to prepare and submit a Plan of Operation and the list of licenses they are seeking.
Be mindful that some areas have liquor moratoriums that prohibit the issuance or transfer of tavern or packaged goods licenses. Please consult this website to find if you are applying in one of those areas.
NEW MIGRANT HIRING OPPORTUNITY:
The State Job Training and Workforce Programs will provide workforce and training services to underserved communities, particularly immigrants, migrants, and refugees who need the training to access employment or skill upgrades to advance in their employment. The workers must currently reside in Illinois and are eligible to work in Illinois at the completion of the program. All applicants must demonstrate partnerships with employers and educational entities to create local and regional strategies. Additionally, applicants should consider incorporating Barrier Reduction funding into the training strategy to support participant completion of training and retention in employment. Deadline: June 30, 2024